Some people falsely believe that you don't need to begin to network until you are looking for a job. That would be akin to starting to take better care of your body after you have been diagnosed with heart disease. At that point, the damage has already been done. It's a much better idea to try to stay healthy in the first place with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Think of networking the same way; it's something you can do to keep your career healthy.

There are many ways in which being part of a professional network can benefit your career. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is the job search. Some career counselors feel that the best route to a better job is through somebody you already know or to whom you can be introduced.

People like former coworkers, friends of friends, neighbors, and even former classmates can turn out to be very helpful in your job search.

There are other reasons to network, too. Members of your network can offer you advice on work-related matters, provide information, hook you up with potential clients, and even help you find potential employees when you need to hire someone. The larger your network, the more opportunities you'll find to get help achieving your goals.